Whip Count

The Work Never Stops: Part-Time Legislators Work Around the Clock for Constituents

The Delaware legislature typically convenes for session about 45 days a year, however, the job of local legislators goes far beyond passing legislation.  Our local “part-time” lawmakers stay busy 365 days a year as they help constituents, meet with organizations and state agencies, and volunteer in their communities. 
 
Currently, the legislature is taking a short break from session while the Joint Finance Committee works on our state’s 2022 budget. This week we caught up with Rep. Larry Lambert,  Rep. Rae Moore, and Rep. Krista Griffith and learned about what they’ve been up to over the past month. 
 

Reflections on Black History Month

Black History Month may kick off in February but it doesn't end there. It's an opportunity to commemorate the achievements of African Americans and learn about men and women who have made great contributions across the world.
Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha share personal reflections on Black History Month, highlighting local people including establishments that are close to their hearts. 

Delaware Leaders Raise Awareness About Heart Health

Heart disease continues to be one of the greatest health threats to men and women across the globe. This information is highlighted annually during February, American Heart Month to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles. 
In Delaware, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, a nurse and educator shared risk factors, tips, and debunked a popular myth. 
Also, Delaware's Dr. Velma Scantlebury, the first African American female Transplant Surgeon in the United States echoed why it's important to commit to a healthy lifestyle year round. Finally, Michelle Taylor, president of the United Way of Delaware weighed in with a personal experience that changed her life forever. 
 

Education Priorities

In the last several years, House Democrats have proposed pieces of legislation aimed at addressing education issues such as lack of mental health resources in schools, inadequate special education funding, and teacher retention.
 
This week, we’ll hear from a few of the lawmakers leading the charge on education equity and fighting to ensure each student gets the education they deserve. Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, Rep. Valerie Longhurst, Rep. Kim Williams, and Rep. Rae Moore discuss a few of the proposals they’re working on, and Annie Slease of NAMI Delaware weighs in on the importance of providing students with the resources they need to succeed.

Bonus Episode: State of the State 2021

Enjoy this bonus episode of Whip Count with the full audio of Governor John Carney's 2021 State of the State Address!

Honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day: Holocaust Survivor Ann Jaffe's Story

To honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we're highlighting Holocaust survivor Ann Jaffe's story. 
In 2020, as Delaware lawmakers prepared to vote on a measure that would mandate Holocaust education for students in grades 6-12, Ann Jaffe addressed the General Assembly. Ann spoke about her experience surviving under the Nazi regime and highlighted the importance of ensuring all young people are educated on the horrors of the Holocaust and other genocides. This episode features her entire unedited speech. 

Holocaust Education in Delaware

In 2020, the Delaware General Assembly passed legislation that requires schools to implement a curriculum on the Holocaust and genocide for students in grades 6-12, making Delaware the 15th state to enact such legislation. 
This legislation comes not a moment too soon, as a 2020 national survey assessing student's knowledge of the Holocaust ranked Delaware 41st when it comes to Holocaust education. 
In this episode, two individuals who were instrumental in passing Holocaust education legislation, Rep. Debra Heffernan and Steve Gonzer of the Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee, discuss the decades of work leading up to this bill and the importance of educating young adults on tolerance and empathy in an age of polarization and misinformation.

Delaware Legislators reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King's Legacy

Every year, people around the country recognize the accomplishments and impact Dr. Martin Luther King had on our society.
King’s messages had an enormous effect on race relations in Delaware and across the United States; throughout and beyond the civil rights era. 
In this episode of Whip Count, Delaware legislators such as Rep. Kendra Johnson, Rep Sherry Dorsey Walker, Rep. Rae Moore and Rep. Larry Lambert talk about Dr. King’s activism and share excerpts of his speeches that keep them motivated in their daily public service work. 

Lawmakers and Citizen Advocacy

Everyday residents can play an important role in public policy. Advocacy work can be done as an individual or through a team of people with one goal in mind.
In this episode of Whip Count, Rep. Debra Heffernan and Rep. Paul Baumbach shared how often they engage constituents. The two legislators also talked about proposed bills that started as an idea from people they represent. The legislative process has certainly caught the attention of Samtra Devard who advocated for more speech therapists in the state and Javonne Rich of the American Civil Liberties Union. Find out what motivates them to push for legislative change and how you can do the same. 
 
 
 
 

Delaware's Virtual General Assembly Connects with Constituents

When news of Covid-19 hit and restrictions were put in place to stop the spread of the virus, many people anticipated things would be back to normal by 2021. However, that's not the case.
Delaware's 151st General Assembly decided to go virtual in the New Year and legislators such as Rep. Krista Griffith, Rep. Franklin Cooke, and Rep. Melissa Minor Brown have learned to not only adapt to the new normal but stay connected with constituents. In fact, they all share how the pandemic gave them a deeper appreciation for public service. 
Take a listen.